Needles and Ultrasound and Sever's Disease - Oh My!

I know I haven't written in awhile - sorry, been busy trying to figuring out how to cut off my foot and grow a new one. 

Here's the latest since I wrote early last week:

• I'm actually becoming sort of attached to my friend, Boot - sort of like a barnacle on a whale; an attachment I can't get rid of (like when my son Ryan was two and was a permanent fixture to my left leg - try to shake him off for a microsecond to take a shower and the universe practically exploded).  Boot's a major pain in the ass to drag around all day but when I take her off, I feel sort of ...naked!
• Diagnostic testing last Tuesday (really, only a week and a half ago?  Could have sworn it's been months) showed no rupture of the facia.  I was shocked, actually.
• Diagnostic tests showed an insane amount of swelling prompting Dr. Dreamy podiatrist to believe I have a "severe acute case of plantar faciitis with a possibly a heel contusion (heel bruise)."
• I GET to go to physical therapy now. For how long?   Who knows.  Mr. PT-man initially thought he could "cure" me in 5-8 visits.
• 5-8 visits has now been extended to maybe 10... or hell, "let's not focus on a number right now, Jill...."
• Ever hear of Sever's disease?  No?  Me either - and trust me when I say I've I've spent hundreds of hours researching this dang heel, I thought I knew every possible heel pain ailments known to mankind.  But this Sever's disease is what PT-man thinks I also have a case of, despite it being more predominate in growing children.  Ok, sure, why not - I'll add it to the growing list!  In the course of 2 months, I've been diagnosed with: Plantar Faciitis, Achilles Tendinitis, a heel contusion, a heel periosteum, bursitis, and probably an ingrown toenail for all I know.  We may as well add Sever's disease (click on link if this is something you absolutely cannot sleep tonight without knowing more about it).

In my opinion, and let's face it, I'm really the only one who is fully aware of the split personalities this crabby heel has had in the past 18 months, I think I have a very bad case of Plantar Faciitis with a whole bunch of other garbage thrown in there.  How's that for a diagnosis?!?  I wonder if I'm adapting to this heel fiasco, though - when I am now asked why I'm sporting a beautiful boot on my foot as I hobble down the school hallways, I simply state, "My heel is sick" and leave it at that.  At one time, that sentence contained a lot of expletives.

So here's what Mr. PT-man is doing for me:

• Dry Needling the heel.  This is a hypodermic needle stuck in a few places in my heel and ankle to get a muscle or tendon to react and reduce the swelling.  If you google this procedure (more reading material for you sleepless souls), all will state it does not hurt.  They LIE!  OMfreakingG that HURT!  Tara told me her Chiro told her if the needle doesn't hurt, it's not working.  If this is true, then I should be cured by tomorrow!

• Ultrasound shockwave therapy.  Ultrasonic waves are emitted into my heel through these metal probes.  10 minutes of this.  It doesn't really hurt at first, but it sure as heck isn't pleasant, and then it turns painful the last minute.  My foot actually starts spazzing badly and I almost kicked the PT guy in the face.

• Massage.  The only non-torture treatment.  Ahhh, feels so good!

• Lots of eye-rolling at my incessant questioning.

And this is what I get to do everyday:

• Do not run.
• Continue to wear the Boot.
• Eat heavy amounts of chocolate all day!
• Large band exercises a few times per day.
• Direct ice 3 times per day for about 3 minutes.
• Whine as much as I want!  But mostly to myself.  And anyone who sends me an email and asks me how it's going.

So that's been my week.  Jealous, I'm certain!

A few running questions I had for Mr. PT-man yesterday:
Me: I'm suppose to run this little race in a tad over 4 weeks.
PT-man: How little? (I'm stunned he forgot this, I only mentioned it 30 times on our first visit).
Me: Um, only 26 miles.  Maybe add .2 miles on to that, but sometimes those courses aren't exact...and you do know that Garmin's are not 100% accurate, right?
PT-man: (eye roll.  See above).  I really don't think it's a wise decision to run (lots of questions about marathon inserted here).
Me: (Sad face).  Ok...blah, blah, blah ...I'm so out of shape anyway, but I was suppose to meet friends, blah blah blah....but ok, that's that.  btw, next week is registration for the Pikes Peak Marathon.  It's in August.  Can I sign up?  It will sell out within an hour, I need to be certain ... not running Skyline next month is race #4 now where I have had to eat the cost of a race entry fee.
PT-man: August?  (pause)  (more pausing)  August is doable.
Me: (smiling)  I need to train over the summer, you know?!
PT-man: Training is over-rated (smiles).

So, Skyline is out *sigh*. 

But it appears I may have a future which includes my running shoes.  Positive potential on the path in front of me is good news!

My heel has been so moody the past week that honestly I really don't even want to do Skyline for fear that any tiny amount of progress I may be making could potentially set me back.  The thought scares me to death.  This has not been easy.  I've been running for a bit over 35 years now, how do you take something that's been such an important part my life and suddenly come to a screeching halt?  You adapt, that's what you do - and I'm doing the best I can do.

So I'm not going to post anymore exclusive heel posts, unless something drastic warrants it, but I will keep you briefly updated.  No, no more down-ness!!!! 

Instead, I'll fill this blog with all the biking (oh baby have I been biking - lots to share there, and lots of questions for you!!), swimming, website developing, coaching, and my massive Tempo short collection - a sight you truly do not want to miss.

 

Here's a parting shot of Tara and I at the gym yesterday - two peas in a pod (yes she does still exist, in fact she even posted yesterday - go check out her progress)!

Have a great weekend, friends.  It was 73 degrees here in Denver yesterday....kills me not to be out in this gorgeous weather running, but it's ok, I got a bike and I got PT-man fixing me up, and I am healing (fingers crossed).